How Can You Keep Holiday Decorations From Bringing Pests Inside?

The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, family time, and decorating your home to feel festive. But as a pest removal service, we see something most people never think about. Many holiday decorations, especially the ones stored in garages, sheds, attics, or basements often become accidental hiding spots for pests. Rodents, spiders, ants, beetles, and even roaches love quiet, undisturbed spaces. And when you bring your decorations inside, you may unknowingly bring them too.

The good news? With a few simple steps, you can enjoy a beautifully decorated home without the risk of introducing unwanted visitors. Here’s how to protect your space this season and keep pests exactly where they belong, far away from your holiday cheer.

1. Understand Why Decorations Attract Pests

Holiday decorations make perfect hiding places because:

• They are stored for 10–11 months without being touched
• Boxes stay dark, dry, and quiet
• Cardboard absorbs odors and moisture, attracting insects
• Fabric items like stockings and tree skirts hold warmth
• Natural decorations like wreaths, dried fruits, pinecones, and greenery can carry insects from outside

Before you start decorating, it’s important to understand that pests seek shelter as temperatures drop. Your storage containers become their winter getaway unless properly sealed.

2. Inspect Storage Boxes Before Bringing Them Inside

If your decorations have been stored in a garage, basement, shed, or attic, don’t bring the boxes straight inside. Always check them first.

Look for signs such as:

• Chewed corners of boxes
• Mouse droppings
• Webs or spider sacs
• Tiny holes in fabric items
• Live or dead insects in the box lid or seams

Even healthy-looking decorations can have hidden egg sacs or insects tucked inside. A simple inspection saves you from a major headache later.

3. Use Plastic Bins Instead of Cardboard

Cardboard is one of the worst storage materials when it comes to pest control. It absorbs moisture, collapses easily, and provides warmth for insects and rodents.

Switch to airtight plastic bins with snap-tight lids. They:

• Keep pests out
• Protect items from moisture
• Last longer
• Are easier to stack and store
• Reduce the chances of spiders nesting inside

Label each bin so you know exactly what’s inside without opening everything.

4. Shake Out Artificial Trees, Wreaths, and Garlands

Artificial greenery is one of the biggest hiding spots for pests. Spiders, beetles, and even wasps may build nests in branches.

Before bringing items indoors:

• Take them outside
• Shake them vigorously
• Blow them with a leaf blower if possible
• Inspect the trunk, folds, and deep crevices
• Look for webs, egg sacs, or insects clinging to branches

Never assume an artificial tree is “clean” just because it’s fake. We have removed spiders and silverfish from trees that had been boxed up all year.

5. Be Careful With Natural Decorations

Fresh wreaths, pine branches, berries, dried corn, pinecones, and garlands may carry:

• Spiders
• Beetles
• Aphids
• Mites
• Small ants

Before using natural décor:

• Shake items outside
• Rinse pinecones in warm water and let them dry
• Store natural pieces outdoors until ready to use
• Avoid leaving real greenery indoors for too long

You can also freeze pinecones or untreated greenery for 48 hours to kill hidden insects.

6. Wash Fabric Decorations Before Use

Stockings, tree skirts, table runners, and holiday linens can absorb dust and odors that attract pests.

Before displaying them:

• Wash them in hot water
• Dry them on high heat
• Store them in sealed bags when not in use

This eliminates any hidden insect eggs or dust mites and keeps your decorations fresh.

7. Keep Food-Based Décor Away From Storage Areas

Popcorn garlands, candy décor, dried fruit ornaments, and gingerbread houses attract rodents and ants instantly. Never store food-based decorations with regular holiday items.

After the holidays:

• Throw them away
• Do not reuse them
• Avoid storing them in attics or garages

If you want long-lasting garlands, choose artificial alternatives.

8. Seal Entry Points Before Decorating

Sometimes pests come inside after the decorations are up. Cooler weather pushes them toward warmth. Before decorating:

• Seal cracks around windows
• Check for gaps in doors
• Inspect fireplace areas
• Seal openings around pipes
• Repair torn screens

Preventing entry points ensures that pests won’t crawl into your décor or your home.

9. Clean Up Tree Needles and Glitter Promptly

Loose needles and glitter may seem harmless, but pests can feed on organic debris or use it for bedding.

Vacuum regularly around:

• Your real or artificial tree
• Mantel décor
• Stair garlands
• Table displays

Keeping the area clean helps discourage pests from settling in.

10. Know When to Call a Professional

If you notice:

• Rodent droppings
• Chewed wires or ornaments
• Recurring spiders or beetles in decorations
• Pests emerging from a storage box
• Activity around your Christmas tree

It’s time for a professional inspection. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage pests can cause.

As pest control experts, we see holiday-related infestations every year. A simple call can prevent a small problem from turning into a major cleanup.

Final Thoughts

Holiday decorations should bring joy, not bugs. With a little preparation and careful storage, you can keep your home festive, safe, and pest-free. By inspecting your décor, using better storage materials, shaking out greenery, and keeping areas clean, you create a barrier that pests won’t want to cross.

This season, decorate with confidence, knowing your home is protected from unwanted “guests.” And if you ever need expert help, our team is always here to keep your holidays cheerful, bright, and completely pest-free.